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READ THESE PERSONAL TESTIMONIES FROM DR. BUTKINS' CLIENTS

"Dr. Butkins played an integral part in my recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. He provided me with knowledge about the disease of addiction and taught me how to overcome the triggers that would lead me to go out and use or drink. Dr. Butkins is a very knowledgeable, respectable, and professional counselor. He truly cares for his clients and you can tell from the minute you first meet him that he is a man who has genuine concern for the addict and is willing to do what it takes to help you. I am forever grateful to Dr. Butkins for teaching and giving me the tools necessary to maintain my recovery from alcohol and substance abuse." John - Orlando, FL January 2009

“I met Dr. Butkins when I went to a counseling session with my alcoholic husband about 2.5 years ago. He is a highly skilled professional and is very knowledgeable on the disease of alcoholism and its affect upon the families of alcoholics. When we met, I was sick with worry and fear, angry, and unhappy. Living each day in fear of what awful thing would happen next, both my mental and physical health were beginning to suffer. When my husband went off to a rehabilitation center, I continued to see Dr. Butkins. As he challenged my thinking and attitudes and encouraged me to recognize and deal with my feelings, my mind began to open and allow me to look at life situations and the disease of alcoholism in ways that would never have occurred to me on my own. He sent me to Al-Anon where I found other people affected by a loved one’s alcoholism that were working the 12 Steps and willing to help me in my recovery. Today, there is less worry and fear in my life and more serenity. I know that Dr. Butkins’ skill, wisdom, and compassion guided me to this better way of living. I will be forever grateful.” Karen, Lake Mary, Florida

"Dr. Pete probably saved my life 7 months ago when I came to him in October, 2005. He has a great talent in evaluating problems and making you aware of them. He has helped me turn my life around and helped me see things about myself that I have been able to work on; he also helped me help others. It is the best money I have spent in many years. Thank you for being there for me." Richard A. March, 2006

"Dr. Butkins has been treating me since I was in middle school; later on at 19, (he helped me again) I had to see someone I felt comfortable with. He talks to me like a friend, not a doctor. I choose him over any other (counselor) because I look forward to seeing him; he’s just like one of my own friends. He’s very real, but not in your face;he doesn’t sugarcoat, but he’s very understanding and kind. He will help you make progress through anything and leave you feeling better than when you came in."
Jerry K. April 2006

"Dr. Butkins is the best thing that ever happened to me. I would have been dead a long time ago if it were not for him. I drank way too much and wanted to die. He has brought me through a lot; because of him I can handle anything and I love myself today." Janie D. April, 2006

"Dr. Peter Butkins has provided much needed support and direction during emotional turmoil in my life."
Ken H. - Longwood, FL April, 2006

"Dr. Butkins is an amazing guy. He has helped me so very much. When I first came to him I was ready to give up on life. With his help and guidance I pulled myself up. I’m now accepting a full paid scholarship to Stetson. Dr. Butkins saved my life. Thanks for everything." Ann A. - Orlando, FL April, 2006

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Dr. Petes' Words of Wisdom

powerless

Resign as head coach - drug and alcohol treatment.

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Dec 14, 2011

When we surrender and follow directions to recovery, we go 'all the way'. We realize that we cannot control our own addiction let alone that of others or the affairs of others. We then have to learn how to continue to do this. This is why a daily 'program' of recovery is needed. We simply retrain our minds and body to repel thoughts and thus actions of drinking and drugging. Design your daily routine. It usually is very easy to do and is not very time-consuming.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete

www.facebook.com/peteralanbutkins

www.youtube.com/thedocpete

Comment (0)

Most important drug/alcohol tool.

Posted by: drbutkins in prayer, powerless, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery, 12 step program on May 10, 2011

Pray when you are disturbed.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone

log onto http://www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com/

Comment (2)

Comment on 1-31-11, "The Parent Dilemma".

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen alcoholic, family recovery, codependency, addiction recovery on Feb 19, 2011

A parent responds to this blog with their experience. Read 1-31-11 blog and respond. Let us know your opinions. This is an area that is so difficult to handle. What do you think?

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

If you are interested in additional counseling by email or telephone

log onto http://www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com/

Free 15 minutes with paid ($30) 15 minutes.

Comment (1)

The parent dilemma.

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, parenting a teen drug addict, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Jan 31, 2011

After relapse, do we send children to inpatient or detach with love? I would love to hear your opinions. Use the forum to respond.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. Go to www.docpetetheimperfecttherapist.com for internet, telephone or in person therapy or coaching.

Comment (1)

Surrender.

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, alcoholism treatment, addiction recovery on Jul 21, 2010

The addict/alcoholic and the family must give up on the concept that they can fix the problem. The problem is too deep and too dark.

Love and Peace,

Doc Pete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (3)

Willingness.

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, drug addiction treatment, alcoholism treatment on Oct 10, 2009

Here's another alternative to hopelessness or discouragement, procrastination... We can ask God for the desire or motivation to forgive or to amend... Again, we do not have to force anything or anyone anymore.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

P.S. No drug use today.

P.P.S. No alcohol either.

Comment (3)

Control or not?

Posted by: drbutkins in powerless, drug addiction recovery, alcoholism signs on Apr 26, 2009

Did you ever decide to have just one and have eight?

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (2)

Neutral Zone.

Posted by: drbutkins in warning signs, sobriety, recovery, powerless, myblog on Mar 05, 2009

We do not have to solve the problems of the world nor can we. We simply have to remain sober today and be useful. Pray to be positive.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Don't drink or dug today.

Comment (4)

Advanced Parenting

Posted by: drbutkins in teenage alcoholism, teen drug addiction, powerless, parenting a teen drug addict, parenting a teen alcoholic, myblog on Dec 28, 2008

I don't think we can really value the position of a parent who has an addicted child unless we have been there. We can feel the sadness, hopelessness and despair that we went through but we cannot feel the feelings, the depth and the range, of a grieving parent for a child who has been afflicted with this malady. We can't empathize truly.

When we empathize with the suffering addict or alcoholic, we can truly empathize. This is a gift woirth giving and keeping.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (4)

Holiday Relapse

Posted by: drbutkins in twelve steps, treatment for drug addiction, powerless, honesty, alcohol addiction, addiction recovery, 12 step program on Dec 23, 2008

Relapse is relapse! When we get sober, we must "burn in" the idea that we cannot drink or drug, no matter what. We are powerless. This means that we did it for years when it was not in our best interests. We can't do it safely and predictably anymore. This powerlessness can be seen in the unmanageable behaviors we created because we kept drinking and/or drugging after it became a habit that we could not stop. The problems were seen in poor job performance (ask your boss or co-workers), failed relationships, divorces, fights, jail time, poor health or worse. It can also be seen in smaller or lesser instances such as taking out the garbage beer cans or liquor bottles to the trash station or curb with that guilty feeling that disappears after you walk back to the house. It can be seen in lesser examples such as poor sports skills, lessening motor coordination and hand-eye coordination, that tired feeling, morning hangovers, headaches, not looking people in the eyes when we talk to them, becoming the "death of the party". The powerlessness and unmanageability must be seen. Write the problems you have (had) with drinking and/or drugging. Ask for the first step to be covered at a meeting in order to see other's bottoms. Get this one burned in at a deep level. If we could use safely, we probably still would be using.

Next, in order to keep up your recovery, use my thinking. My thinking is that, if I go (and I do) to meetings daily, I work better, I love better, I feel better, I make more money, I like myself, you like me... It is just logical. Whe w e take care of ourselves by going to meeting regularly and helping self and others, getting our messages of recovery and a peaceful spirit on a regular basis, we are insuring against a "slip" and also protecting our recovery. We are practicing what works. We are not thinking about how we can manage things. We are turning the problems of the world over to our New Manager.

Relapse is all about the first step. We must know and care that we are going to fall without our program and fellowship.

Love and peace,

Docpete, the imperfect therapist

Comment (5)